Lawrence WenthenPeriod 1 Language and LiteratureMr. Turtola4.2.2009
I.Thesis: In the Dark Ages, the church prohibits freedom of expression in many forms of literature. II.Literature A.Religion
1. Christianity B.Usually Anonymous C.Makes the Dark Ages Dark because of unacknowledged authors.
III.Art and architecture
A.Portraying Christian Religion
1. Bible
a."Kiss of Judas"
b."Stoclet Madonna"
2. All other forms of literature are ignored
IV. Historical Event
A.Christianity
Literature from the Dark Ages greatly reflected the time period. It was complete and complex in a lot of ways. Latin was a common language for medieval writings because the church was really the only source of education at the time. However, what separates it from the work we see today is the anonymity of the authors. Their roles from a period like the medieval as opposed to one like the romantic is very different. They were often restrained by church fathers because the church held all the power during this time. Their intimidation made authors ,who either embellished older pieces of work or invented their own, not find the gift of honor be important. Therefore, much of medieval literature was not claimed by any specific person. Some examples of medieval literature are Beowulf, Digenis Acritas, and The Cloud of Unknowing. Beowulf is an epic poem about a hero and can be seen as one of the most important works of Anglo Saxon literature. Digenis Acritas is also an epic that tells about a hero and is known in many folk songs. Finally, The Cloud of Unknowing is a guidebook with "guidelines" towards seeking God. It was an inspiration to cryptic searchers. In the end, literature makes the Medieval period dark because of the unacknowledged authors who had a ban on expression.
In the Medieval period all art forms became influenced by Christianity. The change in how art was experienced in this period is highly noticable when compared to previous time periods. The only art works that come from the Dark Ages were scenes from the bible, or art portraying Christian events from the time. The art of the Byzantine was also made and used in Italy. "Italian art consisted primarily of architectural decorations (frescoes and mosaics)". All other art forms were ignored and prohibited. Some examples of this art are works by Konrad Witz, who made an altar piece of the Virgin, Giotto, who painted "Kiss of Judas," and Duccio di Buoninsegna who is famous for "Stoclet Madonna." All of the works of these artists depicted religious creations. You can easily realize that Christianity had a strong hold on the art during this time from the religious aspects represented in all of the art works of the Medieval Period. http://www.white-history.com/hwr41.htm, http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/ent/A0858937.html
This devastating event in history exemplifies the power of the church and the direct influence that it had on the people living during the medieval times. Due to the fact that “separation of church and state” was not even an idea yet, the clergy held the cards and governed the land how they saw fit. The church thought that it was their divine right to interfere with any opposing religious beliefs or ideals, leading them to combat where torture and other means of violence were used. The Inquisition was a way for narrow minded, “god-fearing” folk to weed out those who were not worthy of expressing their own moral values. Inquisitors were religious figures that were sent to different areas to expose those who had “fallen from grace.” These discoveries resulted with the accused scoundrel on trial for what they felt; unfortunately these trials usually did not end in favor of the accused.
I. Thesis: In the Dark Ages, the church prohibits freedom of expression in many forms of literature.
II. Literature
A. Religion
1. Christianity
B. Usually Anonymous
C. Makes the Dark Ages Dark because of unacknowledged authors.
III.Art and architecture
A.Portraying Christian Religion
1. Bible
a."Kiss of Judas"
b."Stoclet Madonna"
2. All other forms of literature are ignored
IV. Historical Event
A.Christianity
Literature from the Dark Ages greatly reflected the time period. It was complete and complex in a lot of ways. Latin was a common language for medieval writings because the church was really the only source of education at the time. However, what separates it from the work we see today is the anonymity of the authors. Their roles from a period like the medieval as opposed to one like the romantic is very different. They were often restrained by church fathers because the church held all the power during this time. Their intimidation made authors ,who either embellished older pieces of work or invented their own, not find the gift of honor be important. Therefore, much of medieval literature was not claimed by any specific person. Some examples of medieval literature are Beowulf, Digenis Acritas, and The Cloud of Unknowing. Beowulf is an epic poem about a hero and can be seen as one of the most important works of Anglo Saxon literature. Digenis Acritas is also an epic that tells about a hero and is known in many folk songs. Finally, The Cloud of Unknowing is a guidebook with "guidelines" towards seeking God. It was an inspiration to cryptic searchers. In the end, literature makes the Medieval period dark because of the unacknowledged authors who had a ban on expression.
In the Medieval period all art forms became influenced by Christianity. The change in how art was experienced in this period is highly noticable when compared to previous time periods. The only art works that come from the Dark Ages were scenes from the bible, or art portraying Christian events from the time. The art of the Byzantine was also made and used in Italy. "Italian art consisted primarily of architectural decorations (frescoes and mosaics)". All other art forms were ignored and prohibited. Some examples of this art are works by Konrad Witz, who made an altar piece of the Virgin, Giotto, who painted "Kiss of Judas," and Duccio di Buoninsegna who is famous for "Stoclet Madonna." All of the works of these artists depicted religious creations. You can easily realize that Christianity had a strong hold on the art during this time from the religious aspects represented in all of the art works of the Medieval Period. http://www.white-history.com/hwr41.htm, http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/ent/A0858937.html
This devastating event in history exemplifies the power of the church and the direct influence that it had on the people living during the medieval times. Due to the fact that “separation of church and state” was not even an idea yet, the clergy held the cards and governed the land how they saw fit. The church thought that it was their divine right to interfere with any opposing religious beliefs or ideals, leading them to combat where torture and other means of violence were used. The Inquisition was a way for narrow minded, “god-fearing” folk to weed out those who were not worthy of expressing their own moral values. Inquisitors were religious figures that were sent to different areas to expose those who had “fallen from grace.” These discoveries resulted with the accused scoundrel on trial for what they felt; unfortunately these trials usually did not end in favor of the accused.